BANGOR'S defensive frailties emerged again as they conceded three goals to under-strength visitors Newtown.

Peter Davenport's men have now leaked 12 goals in six league outings and will have to shore up at the back to launch a realistic title challenge this season.

And keeper Paul Whitfield, although exposed by his defenders, must shoulder some of the blame after failing to command his area when the Robins overturned a 2-1 deficit with two goals inside five second half minutes.

With three regulars suspended, Newtown were unfancied to get anything at Farrar Road but they went ahead on 17 minutes when Daniel Field hammered the ball in from 12 yards after the initial effort by Michael Brown had been parried by Whitfield.

Stung into action, the Citizens levelled within five minutes courtesy of an own goal by Mark Allen.

Frank Mottram was poised to score when he raced on to Simon Davies' cross but defender Allen intercepted only to glance the ball into the back of his own net.

Chances were being created at both ends with youngster Owain Jones going close for Bangor with an 18-yard rasper while Newtown's Brown and Field headed over when well-placed.

Home fears were dispelled and normal service seemed to have been resumed when Bangor took the lead on the stroke of half time.

It stemmed from a free-flowing move culminating in a simple goalline tap-in for captain Paul Roberts.

And Roberts should have made it 3-1 early in the second half when he beat the offside but shot lamely with keeper Paul Edwards bearing down on him.

But Newtown hadn't read the script and were back on level terms on 51 minutes.

Field headed in following a free-kick from the right but Whitfield should have made an effort to gather the ball.

And the keeper was to blame again when he missed a punch and Andrew Webb turned the ball in to secure an unlikely win for the visitors.

* BANGOR City have been drawn away to Welsh Alliance minnows Penmaenmawr Phoenix in the second round of the Welsh Cup on October 2.